The Ultimate Rugby Calendar 2025-2026: Lions Tour, World Cup, and How to Watch
The 2025-2026 rugby season promises to be one of the most exhilarating in memory, headlined by the legendary British & Irish Lions Tour and the pinnacle of the women’s game, the Rugby World Cup. For fans seeking a complete schedule of the most important matches, insight into the top teams, and essential broadcasting information, FawaNews is your definitive source. This guide covers all the unmissable action from the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses to the rising forces of the global game.
The Crown Jewel: The British & Irish Lions Tour (Australia, June-July 2025)
The Lions Tour is rugby’s greatest traveling circus, occurring only once every four years. The 2025 tour to Australia is the undisputed highlight of the season.
- What it is: A select team of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales tours Australia for a series of matches against Super Rugby teams and a three-Test series against the Wallabies.
- Most Important Matches: The three Test matches against the Australian Wallabies (Dates TBD, typically in July).
- Broadcasting Channels (Predicted):
- UK & Ireland: Sky Sports (primary rightsholder).
- Australia: Stan Sport (likely host broadcaster).
- South Africa: SuperSport.
- France: beIN SPORTS.
- USA & Canada: Peacock and/or TSN.
The Pinnacle of Women’s Rugby: Rugby World Cup 2026 (England)
The women’s game continues its phenomenal growth, and the 2026 World Cup in England will be its biggest showcase yet.
- Tournament Dates: 2026 (Exact dates TBD).
- Top Contenders:
- England (Red Roses): Hosts and perennial finalists, they will be desperate to win on home soil.
- New Zealand (Black Ferns): The defending champions, known for their skill and physicality.
- France: Consistently a top-tier team with the talent to challenge for the title.
- Canada: A rapidly improving side known for their tough, structured play.
- Broadcasting Channels: Expect wide-ranging global coverage. Key broadcasters will likely include:
- UK: ITV (likely free-to-air host).
- Australia: Stan Sport.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ.
- France: France Télévisions and/or beIN SPORTS.
- Worldwide: World Rugby’s streaming platform may also provide coverage in certain regions.
The Annual Pillars: International Test Rugby
Outside the mega-events, the annual championships and summer/autumn tours provide a constant stream of elite competition.
The Rugby Championship (Southern Hemisphere, August-September 2025 & 2026)
Features the world’s top teams: South Africa (Springboks), New Zealand (All Blacks), Australia (Wallabies), and Argentina (Pumas). Every match is a high-stakes clash.
Summer Tours (July 2025 & 2026)
Northern hemisphere nations like Ireland, England, France, Wales, and Scotland travel south to face the Rugby Championship teams in their own backyard—rugby’s toughest challenge.
Autumn Internationals (November 2025 & 2026)
The Southern Hemisphere teams tour Europe, playing against the Six Nations sides in iconic stadiums like Twickenham, Stade de France, and the Aviva Stadium.
- Broadcasting for Annual Tests: These are typically covered by the same major sports networks:
- UK: Sky Sports, BBC, ITV, S4C (Wales), Premier Sports (Scotland).
- Ireland: Virgin Media Television, RTÉ.
- South Africa & Rest of Africa: SuperSport.
- Australia: Stan Sport.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ.
- France: beIN SPORTS.
- USA: NBC (Peacock) and Fox Sports (FLORUGby).
The Most Prominent International Teams
- South Africa (Springboks): The reigning back-to-back World Champions (2019, 2023). A physically dominant and tactically astute team.
- Ireland: Currently ranked #1 globally, they play a precise, relentless brand of rugby under coach Andy Farrell.
- New Zealand (All Blacks): The legendary team known for their skill, speed, and attacking flair. Always a threat to any opponent.
- France: A team of immense talent and power, capable of beating anyone on their day, especially with home advantage.
- England: A traditional powerhouse undergoing a rebuild. Their matches are always major events, filled with intensity.
- Women’s Top Teams: England (Red Roses), New Zealand (Black Ferns), and France are the established elite, with Canada and Wales closing the gap rapidly.
Stay Informed with FawaNews
For the latest team news, expert analysis, fixture confirmations, and comprehensive broadcasting guides for the 2025-2026 rugby season, make FawaNews your home for rugby coverage. Fawa-News provides in-depth previews and reviews of all the major events, from the Lions to the World Cup. Trust Fawa News to keep you informed on all the action from the world of rugby.
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